Animal-Assisted Activities for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Parent Insights

Abstract

This exploratory study was designed to investigate parental perceptions of animal-assisted activities for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In-depth interviews with 10 families provided insight into the possible mechanisms by which human-animal interactions impact socioemotional behaviors for children ASD. Parents suggested that interactions with animals are qualitatively different than interactions with humans allowing for enhanced communication and connection through reductions in anxiety and frustration. Bearing witness to these human-animal interactions and their concomitant impact on human-human interactions provided parents with feelings of happiness, optimism and hope.

School Parent Attitudes and Perceptions Relating to Animals, Animal-Assisted Interventions, and the Support of Children’s Mental Health

“…Our findings demonstrating positive perceptions toward AAIs further align with previous studies that have evaluated specific school-based AAIs and have found positive perceptions among parents and key stakeholders (i.e., counselors and teachers) [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Pet owners in our sample population had more positive attitudes toward animals, which supports early literature around closeness to animals and how pet ownership is important in shaping attitudes toward animals [ 16 ].…”

Animal-assisted therapy in pediatric autism spectrum disorder

“…One hypothesis relates to the human-animal bond, meaning the relationship between the canine and pediatric participants in AAT, indicating that this bond is a vital part of the therapeutic process and that behaviors would not be modifi ed without the inclusion of canines in participants' plans of care. 21,22 Th is phenomenon is certainly supported in this case study, as the canine was the target of most of Caleb's recorded interactions. Animals may act as a "transitional object" in AAT sessions, allowing children with ASD to practice social skills in a safe environment and then apply learned behavior outside the clinical setting.…”

“…Moreover, further insight into the mechanism of action by which animal interaction produces therapeutic effects for children with ASD who are participating in AAT sessions is required to create evidence-based intervention programs. One hypothesis relates to the human-animal bond, meaning the relationship between the canine and pediatric participants in AAT, indicating that this bond is a vital part of the therapeutic process and that behaviors would not be modified without the inclusion of canines in participants' plans of care 21,22. This phenomenon is certainly supported in this case study, as the canine was the target of most of Caleb's recorded interactions.…”